The Branch of Innovative Road Solutions (IRS) in Tajikistan, which operates the toll on the Dushanbe-Chanak highway, reports that traffic on the Dushanbe–Chanak highway was suspended on Wednesday evening after 23 avalanches struck a section of the road between the 60th and 73rd kilometers in the Varzob district. 

The decision to temporarily close the road was made to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. Vehicles caught in the avalanche zone were evacuated to safe areas with the assistance of road services.

All necessary equipment has been mobilized at the site, and road-clearing operations are currently underway. The timeframe for reopening the highway has not yet been announced.

Road authorities report that due to heavy and prolonged snowfall, snow cover on some sections of the highway has reached up to 35 centimeters. Drivers and passengers are strongly urged to refrain from traveling along this route until an official announcement on the reopening of the road is made.

The Agency for Hydrometeorology (Hydromet) has issued a warning about increased avalanche risk over the next two days. Avalanches are expected on January 22–23 along the Dushanbe–Chanak highway (sections 48–74 km and 80–81 km), as well as in avalanche-prone areas of Maikhoura and Zideh in the Varzob district, in certain districts subordinate to the center (RRP), and in the western part of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).

Snowfall and freezing temperatures

On January 22, precipitation, including heavy snowfall in some areas, is expected across the entire country, the Hydromet reports. In valley and foothill areas, air temperatures are forecast to drop by 8–10 degrees Celsius.

Snowfall is expected in districts under republican subordination, in Dushanbe and its surroundings, on mountain passes, and in the Khatlon and Sughd provinces. In some areas, visibility may be reduced to as little as 50 meters, with icy conditions, snowdrifts, and difficult road conditions.

Meteorologists also warn of heavy snow, blizzards, and dense fog on mountain passes and highways. After precipitation ends and skies partially clear on January 24, nighttime temperatures in most valley and foothill areas are expected to fall to −8°C to −13°C, while daytime temperatures will range from −3°C to +2°C. Icy conditions are expected to persist.